In this podcast episode, Betty C. Andrews, the president and CEO of Betty Andrews Media and executive director of Iowa’s African American Festival, shares insights into the impactful history of “I’ll Make Me A World in Iowa,” which has become the state’s largest African American festival since its inception in 1998. Originally a national call to action, the festival has evolved to highlight African American arts and culture, fostering a connection and sense of affirmation for the Black community in Iowa.

The festival is structured as a three-part event: the Embracing Excellence Gala, Celebration Day, and Education Day. The Gala honors individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the community in a formal setting. Education Day is dedicated to enriching the lives of middle and high school students through STEM activities and resources for college and career paths. Celebration Day serves as the festival’s centerpiece, featuring live performances, food vendors, a kids’ carnival, and a health fair.

Overall, the festival not only celebrates Black excellence but also aims to address health disparities within the African American community, bringing people together to appreciate and engage with Black culture in a predominantly white state.

More Information about I'll Make Me A World in Iowa:

Website: https://www.worldiniowa.org/

Event Dates:

• Education Day - Friday, February 7th, 2025 - 9AM - 2PM
• Celebration Day - Saturday, February 8th, 2025 - 10AM - 2PM

Location:

• Horizons Event Center
• 2100 NW 100th Street
• Clive, Iowa 50325

***THESE EVENTS ARE FREE ADMISSIONS***

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @black.girl.iowa

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

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Audrey Kennis, the Human Services and Inclusion Director for the City of West Des Moines, shares her journey from Denver, Colorado to Iowa and her experiences at Clarke University. She discusses the culture shock she experienced in Iowa and the microaggressions she faced as a Black woman.

Audrey's story highlights the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life. The conversation explores the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and the need to understand and respect different cultures and perspectives. It highlights the role of DEI in higher education and the efforts of institutions to promote diversity.

The conversation concludes with a call to action for individuals to get involved and make a difference in their communities.

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @blackgirliowa

2025 Black. Girl. Iowa. Reading Challenge - HERE!!!

In this reflective episode, Emili discusses her experiences and accomplishments throughout 2024, a year she describes as challenging yet transformative. She shares her proudest moments, including graduating from grad school, starting a new teaching career, and leaving a toxic relationship.

Emili emphasizes the importance of self-celebration, personal growth, and the power of storytelling through her podcast. As she looks forward to 2025, she sets new goals and expresses gratitude for her journey and community.

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @blackgirliowa

2025 Black. Girl. Iowa. Reading Challenge - GET THE LIST HERE!

2025 Journal Prompt Book Selection

Self-Love Workbook for Black Women: Empowering Exercises to Build Self-Compassion and Nurture Your True Self (Self-Love Workbook and Journal) by Rachel Johnson, LMSW-MFT - GET IT HERE!

In this episode of the Black Girl Iowa podcast, host Emili and guests Dr. Wanakee Carr and Erika Bailey discuss the aftermath of the recent presidential election in the United States. They reflect on their personal feelings about the election results, the significance of Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign, and the impact of demographics on voting patterns.

The conversation also delves into the role of white women in the election and the consequences of their voting choices, particularly in relation to women's rights and representation. This conversation explores the themes of education, political engagement, and the dynamics of allyship among Black women and white women in the context of recent elections.

They also reflect on the reactions to the election results on social media and the importance of education in empowering marginalized communities.

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @blackgirliowa

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

In this conversation, Emili and Clementé Love have a dynamic conversation that focuses on the importance of advocacy and empathy in addressing racial issues on campus and in society. It highlights the need for individuals to care about and support marginalized communities, even if they don't personally know someone from that community.

They highlight the need for black women to have access to culturally competent and supportive care during pregnancy and childbirth. Clementé shares her journey of becoming a doula and the challenges she faced, including the need for business knowledge and networking.

They also discuss the impact of systemic racism on black women's healthcare experiences and the importance of advocacy and voting for better healthcare policies. Clementé emphasizes the role of doulas in providing resources and support to ensure that mothers' needs are met and they have a positive birth experience.

Follow Clemente

Instagram: @clemthedoula

TikTok: @clemthedoula

Get More Information about the Iowa Black Doula Collective:

Website: https://www.iowablackdoulas.com

Follow of Facebook - ‘Iowa Black Doula Collective’

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @blackgirliowa

In this episode of the Black. Girl. Iowa. podcast, host Emili shares a personal check-in, discussing her recent life transitions, including a job change, returning to therapy, and completing her graduate program. She emphasizes the importance of mental health and self-care, particularly in light of the challenging social and political climate.

Emili also introduces her upcoming reading challenge for 2025, aimed at promoting diverse authors, and expresses her commitment to creating more content that empowers and advocates for Black women.

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @blackgirliowa

Blog Post: 2025 Black. Girl. Iowa. Reading Challenge

Dr. Jasmine Ross is a licensed psychologist, and owner of Essence Psychological Health Services in Houston, Texas. In this episode, she shares her experience growing up in the Bronx and the unique aspects of being a New Yorker. She discusses the impact of her annual visits from her cousins in Iowa and how it challenged her to think about life outside of New York.

Dr. Ross also talks about her journey into psychology and her passion for understanding why people do the things they do. Additionally, she shares how her personal experiences have shaped her professional work and ability to connect with her clients. In this dynamic conversation, she also encourages individuals starting their mental health journey to envision the version of themselves they want to be and to seek out therapists and resources that align with their goals.

Where to find Dr. Jasmine Ross

Website: https://www.drjasmineross.com or epsychhealth.com

Facebook: Jasmine Ross

Instagram: @dr.jasmineross

TikTok: @dr.jasmineross

Resources to find a Mental Health Professional

Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

Therapy for Black Girls: https://therapyforblackgirls.com

National Latinx Psychological Association: https://www.nlpa.ws

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

BlackGirlIowa MERCH is NOW AVAILABLE!

Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

TikTok: @blackgirliowa

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

In this conversation, Councilwoman Renee Hardman discusses her journey to Iowa and her involvement in the community. She emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and the need for representation in politics. Hardman also shares her passion for serving marginalized communities and highlights the work she does as the CEO of Lutheran Services of Iowa.

Learn More about LSI - www.lsiiowa.org

Want More Black. Girl. Iowa.?

Website: www.blackgirliowa.com

Instagram: @black.girl.iowa

FAVORITE Etsy Shop - BlackGirlIowaShop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackGirlIowaShop?ref=seller-platform-mcnav

***The shop will reopen for pre-orders in November! Stay turned for more details!